Columbia Insurance Group is pleased to announce that effective March 31, 2008, Columbia Mutual Insurance Company, the parent company of the group with principal offices in Columbia, Missouri has purchased 100% of the outstanding shares of Association Casualty Insurance Company of Austin, Texas and Georgia Casualty and Surety Company of Atlanta, Georgia.  Such purchase has been approved by the respective insurance regulators in the States of Missouri, Texas and Georgia.  Columbia Insurance Group has a Financial Strength Rating of A- and a Financial Size Category of VIII by A.M. Best Company.